Chances are you’ve never heard of Ensulizole. But what if I told you it’s in almost every chemical sunscreen you’ve ever used in your life?
Truth bomb: the safest, hardest-working ingredients are often the ones that don’t get any press. Time to fix that, don’t you think?
Here’s all you need to know about Ensulizole in sunscreen:
What The Heck Is Ensulizole?
Ensulizole is the nickname for Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, a chemical UV filter.
In the form of free acid, ensulizole (phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid) is poorly soluble in water. That means it’s a pain to formulate with so no one uses it.
In your sunscreens, you’re more likely to find one of its salts forms. Soluble in water, this form of Ensulizole retains all its photo protective properties but feels lighter and non-greasy even on oily skin. Win win.
Ensulizole Benefits: What Does It Do For Skin?
I’ve kinda given this away already. You know Ensulizole is an UV filter. But how well does it protect you from the sun?
Ensulizole is mainly a UVB filter. It does a great job at neutralising them before they can wreak havoc on your skin.
With UVA rays, things get a little trickier. Ensulizole protects skin from short UVA (UVA-2) but not long UVA (UVA-1) rays.
You know what that means? You can’t use Ensulizole alone. You need to add at least one other UVA filter, like Avobenzone or Zinc Oxide, to the sunscreen to give it broad spectrum protection.
Related: Is Zinc Oxide The Best UV filter ever?
SHOP SUNSCREENS
Is Ensulizole Stable?
The problem with most chemical UV filters? They’re super unstable and degrade quickly when exposed to sunlight.
Take Avobenzone, for instance. After a couple of hours under the sun, it becomes totally useless. That’s why you need to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours…
Ensulizole fares better than most UV filters here. The little research on it shows it doesn’t degrade much. Best of all, it may even help other UV filters (hello Avobenzone!) from degrading so fast, too!
Related: Is Avobenzone In Sunscreen Dangerous?
Does Ensulizole Have Any Side Effects?
Good news: Ensulizole has a good safety profile. Sure, like any other ingredient out there, it can cause irritations in some people. But these cases are very rare.
This is an UV filter you can use safely – even if you have sensitive skin.
Related: Why Mineral Sunscreen Is Better For Sensitive Skin
What Are The Best Sunscreens With Ensulizole?
- Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++ (£12.00): Available at Look Fantastic and Yes Style
- Eucerin Photoaging Control Sun Fluid SPF 50 (£20.00): Available at Escentual and Feel Unique
- Missha All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun SPF 45 PA+++ (£12.15): Available at Walmart and Yes Style
The Bottom Line
Ensulizole is a common, stable UV filter with a good safety profile. In other words, proof that not all chemical UV filters are bad for you. But you can’t use it alone. Make sure your sunscreen has at least another UVA filter.
Do you use sunscreens with Ensulizole? Share your experience with this UV filter below.
